A quantitative analysis of bacterial flora in the small intestine

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The state of bacterial flora in the small intestine is unclear because of the difficulty for taking samples. We investigated bacteria quantitatively by cultures from small intestinal juices which were taken with a double-balloon endoscopeas a new technique. A few of bacteria were found in the stomach and duodenum, while we detected many bacteria on and after the lower jejunum. In the lower jejunum, anaerobic condition is established. Clostridium difficile was detected from approximately 60% of healthy adults. A half of isolated strains had enterotoxin genes(toxA and toxB). This bacterium was isolated on and after the ileum. In adults infected with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium was culturable with juices from the stomach to the jejunum.